James R. Rakow Road

Reconstruction and widening from Ackman Road to IL 31 including multi-use path bridge over Rakow Road. With warmer weather returning, we are set to resume full scale roadway construction beginning in March. Please drive with caution as the work zone activity will be increasing substantially and shifting to allow complete reconstruction of the cross road intersections. Remember to plan your trip ahead as we work to complete this part of the project as quickly as possible. Sign up for email updates at:

www.RakowRoad.com

The project is about 48% complete, with some minor work continuing through the winter as weather allowed including utility relocation and storm sewer installation.

One child dies every two weeks when a television, a piece or furniture, or appliance falls on them. In the Chicago-land area in this last year we have seen a drastic increase in tip-over injuries and deaths. This increase may be related to "old" large televisions being put in playrooms or the basement when newer "flat screen" televisions are purchased. Many of the large old tube TV's weigh over 100 lbs.

Safe Kids McHenry County last year had a new member join our organization after a tragic event.   On March 14, 2011 Shane, who was two years old, was laid down for a nap by his Mom. She went to wake Shane up and found him under his three draw dresser which had tipped over. Shane's Mom, Lisa Siefert, is turning this tragic event into a challenge to educate other parents to secure their furniture, televisions, etc. to help prevent this from happening to them. Lisa is available to speak to groups and does presentations on the importance of tip-over safety. Lisa's contact information can be obtained through Deputy Aimee Knop at 815-334-4735.

Tips to Prevent Furniture Tip-Over:

• Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor with proper anchoring straps
• Place TV's on sturdy, low bases or anchor the furniture and the top of the TV, and push the TV as far back on the stand as possible
• Keep remote controls or other items off the TV stand so kids will not be tempted to grab the items
• Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed
• Encourage caregivers, grandparents, daycares, and others who watch your child or grandchild to also secure their furniture

In recognition of Public Health Week (April 2-8), McHenry County Department of Health will offer reduced fee water testing for individual well water users for the entire month of April...Read More

World TB Day - March 24

On December 1, 2011 at 3:30 p.m., courtroom 203 was filled with members of the Adult Drug Court planning team as they eagerly awaited the words "All Rise" as the first session of the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit's Adult Drug Court convened. Associate Judge and Presiding Drug Court Judge Hon. Michael W. Feetterer stated "Welcome to Drug Court" as he admonished the program's first participant about the program expectations and guidelines. This marked the much anticipated start to the Twenty Second Judicial Circuit's Adult Drug Court program. The program is a collaborative effort among McHenry County Court Administration, McHenry County State's Attorney's Office, McHenry County Public Defender's Office, McHenry County Court Services, McHenry County Sheriff's Office, McHenry County Bar Association, Family Service and Community Mental Health Center and Centegra Health Systems. Last but not least, without the generous support of the McHenry County Mental Health Board, this program would not be possible. To date, the Adult Drug Court has 15 active participants.

Shifting gears to the Mental Health Court, on February 7, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in courtroom 204 the MHC held its Sixth Graduation Ceremony. This was a time of celebration and reflection for four program graduates who have worked extremely hard to improve their lives. This brought the program's graduation total to 35 individuals since its inception in April of 2007. 

For more information about the Adult Drug Court or Mental Health Court please visit the Court Administration webpage, or contact Scott Block at 815-334-4913, or sablock@co.mchenry.il.us.

During these tough economic times, job seekers can easily become discouraged.  McHenry County Workforce Network has programs designed to help job seekers, as well as employers.

If you are a job seeker having a hard time making decisions about your next career move, we have free services to help:

• Internet connected computers with job search software
• Resource Room staff to help you find answers to questions
• Resume and interview assistance
• Job search and career-related seminars and workshops
• Job clubs and networking opportunities
• Access to job listings and employers
• Skills assessment and training assistance (if eligible) to help you reach your career goals
• Workforce Prep youth program for eligible youth ages 14-21

If you are an employer looking for candidates with the "right" skills, or if you need to upgrade the skills of your current workforce, Workforce Network can provide:

• Job posting assistance and access to well-qualified candidates
• On-site recruitment to help you fill vacancies quickly
• On-the-job training programs for skilled workers allow employers to receive reimbursement of up to 90% of a new employee's wages

For more information, click here.

March 11-17, 2012 - National Groundwater Awareness Week